Old-Timers' Day

Last updated

Participants of an old-timers' game held in Cleveland on July 29, 1921 1921 Cleveland Old Timers Day.jpg
Participants of an old-timers' game held in Cleveland on July 29, 1921

Old-Timers' Day (or Old-Timers' Game) refers to a tradition in Major League Baseball where a team devotes the early afternoon preceding a weekend game to honor retired players who played for the organization during their careers. The retired players play in an exhibition game, usually lasting about three innings.

Contents

The New York Yankees are currently the only MLB team to host an annual Old-Timers' Day; many other teams have hosted games in the past, and a few continue to do so on a non-regular basis. [1]

History

According to researcher John Thorne, the earliest old-timers' game was held in 1875 at Hoboken, New Jersey's Elysian Fields. Former players, who did not have pensions at the time, organized several more games during the 19th century, often to raise money for indigent or sick former teammates. [2]

As the games grew in popularity, teams started to organize and control the games themselves. These games variously featured reunions of specific teams, alumni of specific franchises from different eras and collections of former stars from different teams. However, as players began receiving better pay during their careers and pensions after their retirement, they had less incentive to participate and old-timers' games started to become less common. [2]

New York Yankees (1947–present)

Through the 2023 event, the New York Yankees have held 75 Old-Timers' Days. [3]

Precursor events

The Yankees held notable ballpark celebrations to recognize the careers of two of their all-time greats, first for Lou Gehrig on July 4, 1939 (several weeks after he was forced to retire young because of ALS), [4] and Babe Ruth in April 1948. [5] Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day was held on July 4, 1939, and remains baseball's most famous such gathering. After hearing tearful speeches from friends and former teammates who had seen his career cut short by the illness which would come to bear his name, Gehrig delivered a short poignant speech, immortalized by his declaration that in spite of his fate he still considered himself the "luckiest man on the face of the earth." [6]

Format

Members of the 1950 New York Yankees being honored at the 2010 Old Timers' Day 1950 Yankees.jpg
Members of the 1950 New York Yankees being honored at the 2010 Old Timers' Day

The first Old-Timers' Day held under this name took place on the final day of the 1947 season. [7] For many years, players from other teams would attend the festivities wearing their own uniforms. By the 1980s this practice had stopped and only Yankee players were honored.

Today, the Yankees invite several dozen former ballplayers, including many greats and fan favorites, to be introduced to the crowd. Former coaches and managers, trainers, and broadcasters also participate in the festivities. Hall of Famers and special honorees cap the celebration, with those of the highest standing introduced last. Then participating old-timers are split into two teams, often called the Clippers (after the legendary Joe DiMaggio, the "Yankee Clipper") and the Bombers (homage to the team's legacy as the "Bronx Bombers"), to face one-another in a short exhibition contest. [8] The most guests to attend in one year was 72, in 2008. [9]

During the years he attended, DiMaggio would always be introduced last as "baseball's greatest living player". In 1978, when Billy Martin was introduced after him as part of a stunt announcing he would return as manager in 1980, DiMaggio complained and said if anyone was introduced after him without his permission he would no longer return; it never happened again. He made his final appearance in 1998, missing only the 1988 game due to a scheduling conflict. [10] Since his final appearance, Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra were traditionally the last players introduced. Berra made his final appearance in 2014, [11] and Ford made his last in 2019. [12]

Other elements of the day's ceremonies include a moment of silence for members of the Yankee family who died in the previous year, and introduction of the widows of great Yankees, a tradition that started with Claire Ruth and Eleanor Gehrig attending into the 1970s and 1980s and continues today with Diana Munson, Helen Hunter, Jill Martin, Arlene Howard, Kay Murcer, all escorted by current Yankees players. Ruth's daughter and granddaughter have also been introduced in recent years. [13] Members of the Mantle and Maris families have also been introduced in the past, as well as those who have been recently widowed, such as Jerry Coleman's wife Maggie Coleman, who attended in 2014 after her husband's death.

Mel Allen was the original master of ceremonies, followed by Frank Messer, and then John Sterling and Michael Kay handling the duties as a team. Keith Olbermann and Bob Wolff have also contributed.

A modern addition, started in the past 20 years, involves a few "Old Timers", typically current Yankee broadcasters, being wired for sound to provide running commentary during the game, starting with Bobby Murcer and continuing with Paul O'Neill, David Cone and John Flaherty.

Notable moments

In 1965, Joe DiMaggio hit a grand slam into the left field stands.

In 1975, while Yankee Stadium was being renovated, the Yankees held Old Timers' Day at Shea Stadium and prior to the game it was announced that Billy Martin had been hired as Yankees' manager for the first time. In 1978, Martin was re-hired on Old Timers' Day. [14]

In 1998, the Yankees celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 1977, 1978 and 1981 World Series that they played against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and invited some members of those Dodger teams. The game was won on a home run by Willie Randolph against Tommy John, who played in all three of those World Series, for the Dodgers in 1977 and 1978 and for the Yankees in 1981, on the losing side each time. [15]

In 2004, Luis Sojo hit the game-winning home run off of Ron Guidry. [16]

In 2010, the Yankees celebrated the 60th anniversary of the 1950 World Series championship team. They invited Hank Workman, Whitey Ford, Jerry Coleman, Don Johnson, Duane Pillette, and Charlie Silvera to represent the team. However, Yogi Berra missed the day due to a fall. [17]

In 2011, Tino Martinez hit a two-run home run off of former teammate David Cone. [18]

In 2016, Hideki Matsui hit a home run off of Cone into the upper deck.

In 2019, Mariano Rivera pitched, played center field (catching a fly ball hit by Sojo), and batted (hitting an inside-the-park home run). [19]

In 2022, the Yankees held an Old-Timers' Day without an exhibition game, due to injuries to several players. [20] [21] No event had been held the prior two seasons, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [22] Attendees included Ron Guidry, Tino Martinez, Willie Randolph, and Bernie Williams. [22] In 2023, without a game for the second consecutive year, the team hosted a "question-and-answer" session with the 1998 team in honor of that team's 25th anniversary, hosted by radio broadcaster Suzyn Waldman. [23]

Legacy

Some players who have been considered 'staples' at Old Timers' Day include Bobby Brown, who served as president of the American League for a decade, and Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, and Reggie Jackson.

Joe DiMaggio returned in 1952 for his first time, and returned every year until his death with the exception of 1988, a span of 46 years, the second-longest tenure of any Yankee old timer. Hector Lopez, who appeared at every Old Timers' Day from 1966 to 2019, surpassed DiMaggio in 2013 with his 47th appearance and holds the Yankee record of 53 appearances. [24] [25]

Don Larsen, David Wells, and David Cone all attended in the late 2000s and 2010s, allowing the Yankees to have all three of their pitchers who (at that point) had thrown a perfect game in the stadium at the same time.

Boston Red Sox

On May 1, 1982, the Boston Red Sox held their first old-timers game at Fenway Park, [26] marking 50-years of ownership by the Yawkey family. [27] It was notable for the participation of 63-year-old Red Sox legend Ted Williams, who made a shoestring catch while playing the outfield. [28] [29]

Starting in 1986, five games were held as part of the annual Equitable Old-Timers Series. The game of May 17, 1986, was themed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the pennant-winning 1946 Red Sox, and Fenway welcomed back 19 alumni of the team including Williams and Dom DiMaggio. The game also included non-Red Sox alumni, featuring appearances by Dom's brothers, Joe DiMaggio and Vince DiMaggio. [30] The game of May 23, 1987, was themed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Fenway Park and included the participation of Cleveland Indians pitching great Bob Feller, winning pitcher for the visiting (non-Red Sox) team. [31] The game of May 14, 1988, marked the 40th anniversary of Boston's loss to Cleveland in the 1948 American League tie-breaker game. [32] The game of May 6, 1989, included Carl Yastrzemski, shortly after his election to the Hall of Fame. [33] In the game of May 19, 1990, Boston pitchers Bill Lee, Bill Monbouquette, and Dick Radatz allowed just one hit in the four-inning game. [34]

Starting in 1991, three games were held as part of the annual Heroes of Baseball Series. The game of May 11, 1991, included non-playing appearances by Ted Williams (then 72) and Joe DiMaggio (then 76), in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1941 MLB season, when Williams batted .406 and DiMaggio had a 56-game hitting streak. [35] The game of May 16, 1992, marked the 25th anniversary of the 1967 Boston Red Sox season, known as "The Impossible Dream"; participants from the 1967 team included Mike Andrews, Jim Lonborg, Rico Petrocelli, and Carl Yastrzemski. [36] The game of May 29, 1993, honored Negro league legends, [37] [38] and was the final such game held at Fenway until 2018.

The Red Sox held an alumni game at Fenway Park on May 27, 2018, before a regular season game against the Atlanta Braves; it was the Red Sox' first old-timers' game since 1993. [39] Dwight Evans and Luis Tiant acted as managers; the four-inning exhibition was won by Tiant's team, as Julio Lugo hit a two-run homer off of Pedro Martínez for the only runs in the game. [40] Other Red Sox alumni participating included Wade Boggs, Oil Can Boyd, Mike Greenwell, Bill Lee, Derek Lowe, Mike Lowell, and Troy O'Leary. [40] [41]

The Red Sox have not held an alumni game since the 2018 event, nor has team management announced any future plans to do so.

Old-Timers Baseball Classic (1982–1990)

The Cracker Jack Old-Timers Baseball Classic was founded by former Braves executive Dick Cecil, [42] and took place every July from 1982 to 1990. RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. hosted the events from 1982 to 1987, and Pilot Field in Buffalo hosted the events from 1988 to 1990. [43] Cracker Jack dropped their sponsorship following the 1985 event, after which it became the National Old-Timers Baseball Classic. All of the events were broadcast nationally on ESPN.

The inaugural game, played on the evening of July 19, 1982, was particularly memorable; then-75-year-old Luke Appling connected off Warren Spahn for a home run over the fence in left field, which was at a distance of 275 feet (84 m). [44] Other participants included Hank Aaron, Larry Doby,Lou Brock, Bert Campaneris, Joe DiMaggio, Bob Feller, Harmon Killebrew, Ralph Kiner, Johnny Mize, Stan Musial, Don Newcombe, Enos Slaughter, and Early Wynn. [45] [46] The game was won by the American League, 7–2. [47]

The second game, held on July 18, 1983, was won by the National League, 5–3, and included Richie Ashburn, Al Kaline, Bill Mazeroski, Tim McCarver, Brooks Robinson, Mickey Vernon, and Billy Williams. [48]

In 1984, the third game was held on July 2, with the National League winning 9–4, powered by home runs from Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Tom Haller, and Billy Williams. [49]

The fourth game was played on July 1, 1985, as the National League again had four home runs—by Hank Aaron, Bill Mazeroski, Joe Torre, and Tommy Davis—en route to a 7–3 win. [50]

Old-Timers Series / Heroes of Baseball Series (1986–1995)

In February 1986, Commissioner of Baseball Peter Ueberroth announced a series of old-timers games called Equitable Old-Timers Series, to be played at each of the then-26 MLB ballparks and sponsored by Equitable Life Assurance company. [51] These games were unaffiliated with the Old-Timers Baseball Classic games, which were not sanctioned by Major League Baseball.

The Equitable series started at Fenway Park in Boston on May 17, 1986, [52] and concluded at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati on September 20. [53] [54] Equitable donated $10,000 per game to a fund for former major leaguers in need. [52] A traveling group of Major League All-Stars served as the visiting team and played an alumni team at each home ballpark location. [52] The series was held again in 1987, starting in St. Louis on May 17 and ending in Detroit on August 30. [55] In 1988, the series started in Boston on May 14 and ended in Detroit on September 18. [56] In 1989, the series again started in Boston, on May 6, and ended in Montreal on September 17. [57] The 1990 series started in Houston on April 9 and again ended in Montreal, on August 26. [58]

In February 1991, it was announced that the Equitable Old-Timers Series would have a new name and new sponsor; the Heroes of Baseball Series would be sponsored by the Upper Deck Company, with a 24-game series starting on April 14 in Minnesota and ending on September 1 in Montreal. [59] Upper Deck donated $10,000 per game to the Baseball Assistance Team. [59] In 1992, the series was played at each of the then-26 MLB ballparks plus Mile High Stadium, the first home of the expansion Colorado Rockies when they joined MLB the following season. [60] The series was also played during the 1993 season, [38] and at some ballparks during the 1994 season. [61] The final game appears to have been played in June 1995 at Dodger Stadium. [62]

Other old-timers' games

The Cleveland Indians held an old-timers' game on July 29, 1921, at Dunn Field (later known as League Park) in Cleveland. [63] Players participating included Neal Ball, Charlie Hickman, Nap Lajoie, Cy Young, and Chief Zimmer. [63]

A 1930 game at Braves Field in Boston was the first to be broadcast nationally on radio. [2]

A New York Giants old-timers' game on July 30, 1950, [64] featured the return, in a non-playing role, of Fred Merkle who had committed a base-running gaffe in 1908 that became well-known as "Merkle's Boner". [65] Merkle received a loud ovation from the crowd. [66]

It is mentioned in Jim Bouton's book Ball Four (a journal of his 1969 season with the Seattle Pilots and the Houston Astros) that the Astros held an Old Timers Day game that year on September 1, which featured their manager Harry Walker. [67] The Astros had previously held an Old Timers Game in 1965 that matched the "Baseball Immortals" against the "Texas All Stars" that was played on September 6, 1965 (Labor Day); the exhibition, consisting of two innings played before the regular season match up of the Astros vs the Chicago Cubs in the Astrodome, featured over a dozen members of the Baseball Hall of Fame from manager Bill McKechnie to Joe Medwick [68]

An old-timers' game was played at Comiskey Park in Chicago on July 5, 1983, during All-Star Game festivities, celebrating the 50th midsummer classic; the 1933 All-Star Game had also been held at Comiskey Park. Notable participants included Ernie Banks, Bobby Doerr, Joe DiMaggio, Burleigh Grimes, Harmon Killebrew, Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, and Hoyt Wilhelm. [69]

Vice President George H. W. Bush playing in an old-timers' game at Mile High Stadium in July 1984 George H. W. Bush plays in the Old Timers' Game.jpg
Vice President George H. W. Bush playing in an old-timers' game at Mile High Stadium in July 1984

In July 1984, an old-timers' game was played at Mile High Stadium in Denver while United States Vice President George H. W. Bush happened to be in town. A spokesman announced that Bush would attend the game but, when the game started, the former Yale Bulldogs baseball player was wearing a Denver Bears uniform and playing first base. He popped up in his only at bat against Warren Spahn. [70]

In 2013, the Los Angeles Dodgers revived their old-timers' game after 18 years of absence. [71]

In 2022, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen announced the team would revive its Old Timers' Day for the first time since 1994. [72] The game celebrated the 60th anniversary of Mets baseball and included members of the 1962 Original Mets, both World Series championship teams, and players from all six decades of the franchise. During the celebration, the team fulfilled former owner Joan Payson's promise to retire Willie Mays' number 24. [73]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boston Red Sox</span> American Major League Baseball franchise in Boston, MA (founded 1901)

The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East division. Founded in 1901 as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the team's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since 1912. The "Red Sox" name was chosen by the team owner, John I. Taylor, c. 1908, following the lead of previous teams that had been known as the "Boston Red Stockings", including the Boston Braves. The team has won nine World Series championships, tied for the third-most of any MLB team, and has played in 13 World Series. Their most recent World Series appearance and win was in 2018. In addition, they won the 1904 American League pennant, but were not able to defend their 1903 World Series championship when the New York Giants refused to participate in the 1904 World Series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fenway Park</span> Baseball stadium in Boston, Massachusetts

Fenway Park is a baseball stadium located in Boston, Massachusetts, near Kenmore Square. Since 1912, it has been the ballpark of the Boston Red Sox, the city's American League baseball team, and, since 1953, its only Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise. While the stadium was built in 1912, it was substantially rebuilt in 1934, and underwent major renovations and modifications in the 21st century. It is the oldest active ballpark in MLB. Because of its age and constrained location in Boston's dense Fenway–Kenmore neighborhood, the park has many quirky features, including "The Triangle", Pesky's Pole, and the Green Monster in left field. It is the fifth-smallest among MLB ballparks by seating capacity, second-smallest by total capacity, and one of eight that cannot accommodate at least 40,000 spectators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry Remy</span> American baseball player and broadcaster (1952–2021)

Gerald Peter Remy was an American professional baseball player and sports broadcaster. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a second baseman for ten seasons—three with the California Angels (1975–1977) and seven with the Boston Red Sox (1978–1984). After retiring from professional play, Remy served for 33 years as a color commentator for televised Red Sox games until his death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yankees–Red Sox rivalry</span> Major League Baseball rivalry

The Yankees–Red Sox rivalry is a Major League Baseball (MLB) rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Both teams have competed in MLB's American League (AL) for over 120 seasons and have since developed what is arguably the fiercest rivalry in all of American sports. In 1919, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold star player Babe Ruth to the Yankees, which was followed by an 86-year period in which the Red Sox did not win a World Series. This led to the popularization of a superstition known as the "Curse of the Bambino," which was one of the most well-known aspects of the rivalry.

The 1932 Boston Red Sox season was the 32nd season in the franchise's Major League Baseball (MLB) history. The team's home field was Fenway Park. The Red Sox finished last in the eight-team American League (AL) with a record of 43 wins and 111 losses, 64 games behind the New York Yankees, who went on to win the 1932 World Series.

The 1978 Boston Red Sox season was the 78th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. After 162 regular-season games, the Red Sox and the New York Yankees finished tied atop the American League East division, with identical 99–63 records. The teams then played a tie-breaker game, which was won by New York, 5–4. Thus, the Red Sox finished their season with a record of 99 wins and 64 losses, one game behind the Yankees, who went on to win the 1978 World Series.

The 1982 Boston Red Sox season was the 82nd season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. The Red Sox finished third in the American League East with a record of 89 wins and 73 losses, six games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who went on to win the AL championship.

The 1986 Boston Red Sox season was the 86th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. The Red Sox finished first in the American League East with a record of 95 wins and 66 losses. After defeating the California Angels in the ALCS, the Red Sox lost the World Series to the New York Mets in seven games.

The 1987 Boston Red Sox season was the 87th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. The Red Sox finished fifth in the American League East with a record of 78 wins and 84 losses, 20 games behind the Detroit Tigers.

The 1989 Boston Red Sox season was the 89th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. The Red Sox finished third in the American League East with a record of 83 wins and 79 losses, six games behind the Toronto Blue Jays.

The 1990 Boston Red Sox season was the 90th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. The Red Sox finished first in the American League East with a record of 88 wins and 74 losses. It was the third AL East division championship in five years for the Red Sox. However, the team was defeated in a four-game sweep by the Oakland Athletics in the ALCS, as had been the case in 1988.

The 1991 Boston Red Sox season was the 91st season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. The Red Sox finished tied for second in the American League East with a record of 84 wins and 78 losses, seven games behind the Toronto Blue Jays.

The 1993 Boston Red Sox season was the 93rd season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. The Red Sox finished fifth in the American League East with a record of 80 wins and 82 losses, 15 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays, who went on to win the 1993 World Series.

The 1949 Major League Baseball season was contested from April 18 through October 15, 1949. Both the American League (AL) and National League (NL) had eight teams, with each team playing a 154-game schedule. The New York Yankees won the World Series over the Brooklyn Dodgers in five games. Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox and Jackie Robinson of the Dodgers won the Most Valuable Player Award in the AL and NL, respectively.

The 1939 Major League Baseball season was contested from April 17 to October 8, 1939. The Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees were the regular season champions of the National League and American League, respectively. The Yankees then defeated the Reds in the World Series, four games to none. The Yankees became the first team to win the World Series four years in a row.

The 1951 Major League Baseball season opened on April 16 and finished on October 12, 1951. Teams from both leagues played a 154-game regular season schedule. At the end of the regular season, the National League pennant was still undecided resulting in a three game playoff between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers. After splitting the first two games, the stage was set for a decisive third game, won in dramatic fashion on a walk-off home run from the bat of Giant Bobby Thomson, one of the most famous moments in the history of baseball, commemorated as the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" and "The Miracle at Coogan's Bluff". The Giants lost the World Series to defending champion New York Yankees, who were in the midst of a 5-year World Series winning streak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1948 American League tie-breaker game</span> 1948 Major League Baseball tie-breaker game

The 1948 American League tie-breaker game was a one-game extension to Major League Baseball's (MLB) 1948 regular season, played between the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox to determine the winner of the American League (AL) pennant. The game was played on October 4, 1948, at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. It was necessary after both teams finished the season with identical win–loss records of 96–58. This was the first-ever one-game playoff in the AL, and the only one before 1969, when the leagues were split into divisions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Boston Red Sox season</span> Major League Baseball season

The 2018 Boston Red Sox season was the 118th season in the team's history, and their 107th season at Fenway Park. Under first year manager Alex Cora, the team finished with a 108–54 record, winning the American League East division title for the third consecutive season, and finished eight games ahead of the second-place New York Yankees. The Red Sox were the first MLB team to post 100 wins during the 2018 season, reaching that milestone for the first time since 1946; they were also the first team to clinch a berth in the 2018 postseason.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak</span> Baseball hitting streak

During the 1941 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, New York Yankees center fielder Joe DiMaggio recorded at least one hit in 56 consecutive games, breaking the MLB record for the longest hitting streak. His run lasted from May 15 to July 16, during which he had a .408 batting average. DiMaggio's streak surpassed the single-season record of 44 consecutive games that had been held by Willie Keeler since 1897, and the longest streak spanning multiple seasons, also accomplished by Keeler. The record remains held by DiMaggio and has been described as unbreakable.

References

  1. ↑ Lawrence, Jesse (June 8, 2013). "Are More Old Timers Days in Baseball's Future?". Forbes. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 Fitzpatrick, Frank (July 18, 2019). "Old-Timers Games, once a hit all over baseball, have almost disappeared". Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Yankees to hold 74th Old-Timers' Day presented by FreshDirect on Saturday, July 30, at Yankee Stadium". MLB.com (Press release). New York Yankees. July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  4. ↑ "www.HistoryOfTheYankees.com" . Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  5. ↑ "The New York Times: This Day in Sports". The New York Times .
  6. ↑ "On This Day: Lou Gehrig Delivers "Luckiest Man" Speech". Findingdulcinea.com. July 4, 2011. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
  7. ↑ Altman, Billy (August 3, 2008). "Yankee Greats, and Not-So-Greats, Celebrate the End of Many Eras". The New York Times . Retrieved November 25, 2011.
  8. ↑ "Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford Highlight the New York Yankees 65th-Annual Old Timers Day June 26th". Cardboardconnection.com. June 27, 2011. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Yankees to celebrate 62nd -- and largest -- Old-Timers' day with six Hall of Famers and 18 first-time attendees | Yankees.com: Official Info". Archived from the original on August 6, 2008.
  10. ↑ "DiMag/post playing story by Marty Appel" . Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  11. ↑ Tasch, Justin. "Yogi Berra caps celebration of Yankees' Old Timer's Day". nydailynews.com. New York Daily News (Tribune). Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  12. ↑ Norton, Tyler. "Yankees announce 2019 Old-Timers' Day roster". pinstripealley.com. Vox Media, Inc. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Ruth's granddaughter pays final visit". mlb.com. September 20, 2008. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Old-Timers' Day never gets old". Newsday.
  15. ↑ "Tommy John Stats".
  16. ↑ "Guidry Supports Schilling Move" . Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Yogi misses Old-Timers' Day after fall at home". July 18, 2010.
  18. ↑ Video mlb.com [ dead link ]
  19. ↑ Joyce, Greg (June 23, 2019). "Not all déjà vu for Mariano Rivera at Yankees Old-Timers' Day". New York Post . Retrieved June 23, 2019.
  20. ↑ Caldera, Pete. "Yankees Old-Timers' Day 2022: With Mo, Bernie and Tino in town, a new format is revealed". northjersey.com. www.northjersey.com. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  21. ↑ Tartaglia, Greg (July 30, 2022). "Should Yankees' Old-Timers' Day game return? Here's what pinstripe legends are saying". Daily Record . NorthJersey.com. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  22. 1 2 Hoch, Bryan (July 30, 2022). "Yanks' Old-Timers' Day makes grand return". MLB.com. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  23. ↑ Hoch, Bryan. "Yanks honor legendary '98 club on Old-Timers' Day". mlb.com. MLB Advanced Media, LP. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Yankees legend Hector Lopez is baseball magic for this big kid" . Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  25. ↑ Herrmann, Mark (June 23, 2019). "Mariano Rivera basks in glory of his first Yankees Old-Timers' Day, stealing show with inside-the-park homer". Newsday . Retrieved June 23, 2019. Hector Lopez attended his 53rd consecutive Old-Timers' Day.
  26. ↑ Yantz, Tom (May 2, 1982). "Yesterday's Heroes Young Once More". Hartford Courant . p. D8. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  27. ↑ Vecsey, Tom (May 2, 1982). "Red Sox' Williams: good field, no hit". The Morning Call . Allentown, Pennsylvania. p. C1. Retrieved May 25, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  28. ↑ Vecsey, Tom (May 2, 1982). "Ted Williams: good field, no hit (cont.)". The Morning Call . Allentown, Pennsylvania. p. C8. Retrieved May 25, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  29. ↑ "Fenway Park through the Years [1982]: Non-Red Sox Baseball At Fenway Park". MLB.com . Boston Red Sox . Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Fenway Park through the Years [1986]: Non-Red Sox Baseball At Fenway Park". MLB.com . Boston Red Sox . Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Fenway Park through the Years [1987]: Non-Red Sox Baseball At Fenway Park". MLB.com . Boston Red Sox . Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  32. ↑ Sudyk, Bob (May 15, 1988). "Old-Timers game a '48 reminder". Hartford Courant . p. B5. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  33. ↑ "Yaz makes return to Fenway Park". Democrat and Chronicle . Rochester, New York. May 7, 1989. p. 4E. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  34. ↑ "Baseball". The Burlington Free Press . Burlington, Vermont. May 20, 1990. p. 2C. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  35. ↑ "An emotional reunion for DiMaggio, Williams". Courier-Post . Camden, New Jersey. May 12, 1991. p. 7E. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  36. ↑ Yantz, Tom (May 17, 1992). "He helped make it possible". Hartford Courant . p. E9. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  37. ↑ "Fenway Park through the Years [1993]: Non-Red Sox Baseball At Fenway Park". MLB.com . Boston Red Sox . Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  38. 1 2 "Around the clubhouse". Hartford Courant . May 30, 1993. p. D3. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  39. ↑ Dunphy, Mark (May 17, 2018). "The Red Sox announced their first alumni game at Fenway Park in 25 years". Boston.com . Retrieved May 17, 2018.
  40. 1 2 Powtak, Ken (May 27, 2018). "Julio Lugo on his homer off Pedro Martinez: 'It was awesome'". Boston.com . AP . Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  41. ↑ Silverman, Michael (May 27, 2018). "Red Sox alumni game worth the wait". Boston Herald . Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  42. ↑ Appel, Marty. "National Pastime Museum: CRACKER JACK OLD TIMERS GAMES". appelpr.com. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  43. ↑ "National Pastime Museum: CRACKER JACK OLD TIMERS GAMES – Marty Appel". www.appelpr.com.
  44. ↑ Kaplan, Jim (August 23, 1982). "Luke Appling, the Braves' 75-year-old minor league batting - 08.23.82 - SI Vault". CNN.com . Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on August 7, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2011– via Wayback Machine.
  45. ↑ Smith, Claire (July 25, 1982). "Yesterday's Heroes Unforgettable". Hartford Courant . p. D8. Retrieved May 20, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  46. ↑ "The Cracker Jack Old Timers Classic brought joy to baseball-starved D.C." The Washington Post. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  47. ↑ Boswell, Thomas (July 20, 1982). "It Was Just Like Old Times In D.C." Pittsburgh Press . p. 19. Retrieved May 20, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  48. ↑ "NL Old Timers Win, 5-3". The Star Press . Muncie, Indiana. UPI. July 19, 1983. p. 10. Retrieved May 20, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  49. ↑ "Old-timers still swinging: NL's 4 homers subdue AL". The Arizona Republic . AP. July 3, 1984. p. 20. Retrieved May 20, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  50. ↑ "NL old-timers crack 4 HRs, shuffle by AL". The Arizona Republic . July 2, 1985. p. 33. Retrieved May 20, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  51. ↑ "Old-timers to play at Tiger Stadium". Detroit Free Press . February 11, 1986. p. 46. Retrieved May 20, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  52. 1 2 3 "Golden oldies play again". The Morning Call . Allentown, Pennsylvania. AP. May 18, 1986. p. C6. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  53. ↑ Erardi, John (September 20, 1986). "Branca helps ex-big leaguers in need". The Cincinnati Enquirer . p. 9. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  54. ↑ Erardi, John (September 20, 1986). "Branca (cont.)". The Cincinnati Enquirer . p. 16. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  55. ↑ "Old-Timers Schedule". The Indianapolis Star . May 7, 1987. p. 38. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  56. ↑ "Notes". The Greenville News . Greenville, South Carolina. May 11, 1988. p. 2D. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  57. ↑ "Equitable Old Timers All-Star Games". The Greenville News . Greenville, South Carolina. February 8, 1989. p. 2D. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  58. ↑ "Equitable 1990 Old-Timers Schedule". Quad-City Times . Davenport, Iowa. February 16, 1990. p. 30. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  59. 1 2 "Old Timers series renamed". The Journal Times . Racine, Wisconsin. February 16, 1991. p. 3B. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  60. ↑ "Old-timers". Tampa Bay Times . February 21, 1992. p. 4C. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  61. ↑ "Hero sheets". The Journal News . White Plains, New York. March 27, 1994. p. D8. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  62. ↑ "Dodgers Upper Deck Heroes of Baseball Night". Los Angeles Times . June 6, 1995. p. C3. Retrieved May 24, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  63. 1 2 "Old Timers Of Baseball In Comeback". Muncie Evening Press . Muncie, Indiana. July 30, 1921. p. 6. Retrieved July 30, 2022– via newspapers.com.
  64. ↑ "McGraw's 'Boys'". The Miami News . AP. July 31, 1950. p. 10. Retrieved July 17, 2022– via newspapers.com.
  65. ↑ Fraley, Oscar (July 31, 1950). "Bonehead Is Forgotten". Evansville Press . Evansville, Indiana. UP. p. 11. Retrieved July 17, 2022– via newspapers.com.
  66. ↑ Sherman, Ed (September 23, 2008). "Sadly, one play defined Merkle's career". ESPN.com.
  67. ↑ Bouton, Jim. Ball Four: The Final Pitch. Sports Publishing. p. 350. ISBN   1-58261-310-9.
  68. ↑ https://astrosdaily.com/column/10809121216fan.html
  69. ↑ "A collector's item at Comiskey". Chicago Tribune . July 6, 1983. p. 60. Retrieved May 20, 2018– via newspapers.com.
  70. ↑ "Vice President George Bush took the field". United Press International. July 14, 1984. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  71. ↑ "Dodgers Take On Yankees In Their 1st Old-Timer's Game Since 1995". CBS Los Angeles . June 8, 2013.
  72. ↑ Ladson, Bill. "Mets Old Timers' Day Game returns on Aug. 27". mlb.com. MLB Advanced Media, LLC. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  73. ↑ Tasch, Justin (August 31, 2022). "Steve Cohen explains why Mets retired Willie Mays' No. 24". nypost.com. NYP Holdings, Inc. Retrieved October 21, 2022.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.